The Team

Founder,CEO

Chris wants to live in a world where spirits and cocktails distilled and crafted in Maryland harken back to a time before prohibition; where choices were plenty and uniformity was frowned upon—and dogs were welcome at work.

Chris brings twenty years of project and people management experience to the Blackwater team and a decade of expertise related to state and federal statutes ranging from excise tax to formula and label approvals. Active in local political circles, Chris spearheaded statewide legislation in 2012 with the help of local state representatives whose aim was to open the business doors for all Maryland distilleries to onsite tours, tastings, and sales.

Responsible for overall business operations, Chris is committed to making Blackwater Distilling a destination location for all who cross the Bay Bridge.

Jon Cook

Founder,COO

One of the two founders of Blackwater Distilling, Jon currently oversees production operations at the distillery while also managing sales and supporting marketing.

Jon worked for his first start-up straight out of college after being self employed as a teen and into his early 20's. After nearly ten years in a start-up environment, he spent time with larger private sector organizations, NGOs, and a brief stint with the federal government. The one constant in his professional life has been small business, either as a day job or with Blackwater Distilling.

Jon has overseen production operations from concept through to support of ten+ product lines, with several more currently in development. A resident of Maryland's Eastern Shore for over a decade, Jon is a graduate of Washington College in Chestertown, MD with a B.A. in International Studies. During his free time, Jon enjoys spending time with his family and friends, camping, motorcycles, cooking, and spending time with his Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, Olive and Nana.

Distiller and production manager

Andy's passion for all things alcohol has taken him from a small family winery in Napa Valley to the baijiu factories of China, of which he saw many during a 10,000-mile bicycle ride around the country from 2009 to 2010. In the distillery, Andy obsesses over the quality and consistency of our award-winning products and is always looking for ways to add a new twist to a classic spirit. On the side, Andy is an avid home brewer, cocktail shaker, and Chinese translator. When he's not staring intently at the still, you'll find Andy cycling around the Eastern Shore or checking a hike somewhere in the world off his bucket list.